Especially if you are new or at the very least relatively new to the sport.

However, for rowers of all abilities wanting to get back on the water a single scull has provided the way out of the COVID-19 shutdown as restrictions have been gradually eased.

As Wendouree Ballarat Rowing Club captain Alicia Ivory says, "single sculling in the middle of Lake Wendouree is about as physically distanced as sport can get."

Ivory said when the COVID-19 shutdown initially came in and ruled out rowing on the lake, she took the opportunity to set up online programs, with some members taking home ergos.

She said while online activities had continued, largely with a focus on fitness for women, the easing of restrictions had gradually seen more people - females masters and juniors - getting back in boats.

Ivory said some 40 participants had taken to the sculls.

She said being able to keep a distance from other rowers while looking to stay fit made rowing particularly appealing.

While the focus has been on individuals getting out on Lake Wendouree and doing their own thing, the Wendouree Ballarat and Ballarat City clubs have now joined forces to add a new dimension to Sunday morning training sessions for masters and juniors.

Ivory said rather than just having solo training sessions, rowers for the first time in the COVID-19 environment are lining up side-by-side to test their skills.

Some 14 rowers from Wendouree Ballarat and 16 from Ballarat City took part in the combined outing on the 2000m course for the first time on Sunday under the watchful eye of club officials.

"It was great to be able to offer something for all rowers of all abilities," Ivory said.

"It's wonderful to see both masters women testing their balance in single sculls for the first time, alongside more experienced rowers who had raced at much higher levels during their rowing careers.

"We will run a similar event during our weekend training sessions every week when the weather is in our favour," she said.

Ivory also talked up the aspect of club members being able to interact again.

She said now was a great time to get involved in rowing.

Return to safe rowing regulations under COVID-19 restrictions are positioned the same as other sports.

Athletes 18 years and under are permitted to row in crew boats, while those 19 years and over remain confirmed to single sculls to maintain social distancing while on the water.

With restrictions in place, Rowing Victoria has not yet put together a 2020-21 season regatta calendar.

This is expected to be delayed until restrictions for open age groups are lifted.

For information https://www.wbrc.com.au/